Pak-Turkey should establish direct road, railways links: ICCI

ISLAMABAD, Oct 6 (APP): The Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI) has proposed that Pakistan and Turkey should establish direct road and railways links to further enhance economic relations and bilateral trade.
“The direct links will greatly help in further improving bilateral trade and economic relations between Pakistan and Turkey,” President, ICCI, Khalid Iqbal Malik said.
Talking to a Turkish delegation led by Vice Chairman for Fair, Forum and Organization Commission, Omur Yildiz which recently visited the ICCI, he said that Pakistan and Turkey enjoyed very cordial relations since long. He stressed that these good relations should be transformed into strong business partnerships for the mutual benefit of both countries.
He said that China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) offered huge investment opportunities and Turkish investors should focus on energy, infrastructure development, construction, information technology, food processing, agro-based products, dairy development, furniture and hotel industry, tourism and resorts development sectors in Pakistan for joint ventures and investment.
He said the potential for economic cooperation between Pakistan and Turkey has not been fully exploited as yet because the bilateral trade of less than US$ 1 billion was far less than their real potential.
He emphasized that both countries should focus on frequent exchange of trade delegations and organize single country exhibitions to improve two-way trade.
Khalid Malik Senior Vice President and Tahir Ayub Vice President, ICCI also spoke on the occasion and urged that Pakistan and Turkey should focus on signing a Free Trade Agreement to facilitate trade promotion.
The head of Turkish delegation invited Pakistani businessmen to participate in Istanbul Expo to be held from November 9-12 to enhance their business prospects.
He said, the Expo would offer good platform to Pakistani business community for trade cooperation and global partnerships with businessmen and investors of Turkey and other countries.
Khalid Malik assured that ICCI delegation will try to participate in the Expo 16 to explore business opportunities.